JUST IN: Opposition protests near Criminal Court

Former President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom | Photo: AFP

Malé, Maldives – The opposition coalition including PPM and PNC on Sunday started protesting near the Criminal Court.

The opposition is protesting near the Criminal Court targeting Former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s trial, which was scheduled at Criminal Court for today.

The former President Yameen’s hearing at the Criminal Court was regarding charges against him in connection to corruption in R. Fuggiri development.

The protesters in the area include President of PNC Abdul Raheem Abdullah, MP of Maduvvari Constituency Adam Shareef as well as Malé City Mayor Dr. Mohamed Muizzu in addition to several supporters.

The protesters are calling for the freedom of Former President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Gayyoom.

Most recently, Former President Yameen has been accused of laundering MVR 15.3 million (USD 1 million) involving the sale of V. Aarah to a foreign party. This case is linked with the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption.

While the former President was sentenced to 5 years in prison and fined USD 5 million in November 8, 2019, President Yameen has currently served more than 400 days of his 5 year money laundering sentence after USD 1 million was found to have been transferred to his account under suspicions circumstances.

President Yameen also has other ongoing cases against him. The Prosecutor General is currently charging the Former President of accepting bribes worth MVR 117,000 during the lease of R. Fuggiri for the development of a tourist resort.